Gernby

I am going to need a new clutch very soon, and am considering my options. I would prefer to stick with OEM parts, due to cost, but figured the '04 clutch might be a better choice. It seems that the '04 clutch might be a bit stronger due to the F22's higher torque. Does anyone know if the '04 clutch parts are interchangeable with the '00-'03 parts?

Gernby

I just checked HondaAutomotiveParts.com, and they are showing the same part numbers for the '02 and '04 parts. The only exception is the flywheel and bolts. If that is correct, then that sucks. The OEM clutch was already to weak for the '00-'03.

Elistan

Weird, identical part numbers for the pressure plate and friction disk, but the flywheel is different...

The '00 friction disk and pressure plate are different from the '03s, so maybe Honda thought that change was fine to carry over to the '04s.

For what it's worth, I haven't had any slippage issues with the '04. But then, I didn't have any issues with the '00 either.

Gernby

I'm guessing the flywheel is heavier to smooth out the idle of the larger engine.

xviper

Did Honda not upgrade the clutches during that clutch buzz TSB? And this is what they've gone with since? I also remember Road Rage stating that the '04 clutch has some sort of valve thing on the slave cylinder which prevents severe clutch dumps. Perhaps it is this feature that allows the '04 to handle to additional output of the engine.
Have you considered just going with the OEM clutch disc and putting in a heavy duty PP? This might be just the ticket for how you use the car.

Gernby

I have considered a HD PP and OEM disk, but the price is significantly higher. I have also gotten pretty good life out of the OEM setup. It hasn't ever been very strong, but I'm still able to track it after 45K miles. I also believe that my OEM clutch has been the primary reason why I haven't blown my diff.

mwy23

hardtopguy.com is having a special for a comptech flywheel + ACT HD PP + OEM Clutch + OEM TO Bearing for $850. that seems like a decent deal to me.

~$550 for all OEM Parts (OEM flywheel, PP, Clutch, TO Bearing) on hardtopguy.com

Elistan

The '04 clutch master cylinder has a "delay valve" that slows down the clutch's engagement. I can't see how that would have any effect on overall clamping force, however. So unless Majestic Honda has their part numbers messed up, the '04 clutches grab just as hard as the '03 ones. (Marcucci should be able to check on the Honda part numbers to verify.)

Sounds like your best bet is simply to get a new friction disk, gernby. Depending on your issue, hopefully the PP and flywheel need a resurfacing at most.

Gernby

There really isn't any need to replace the OEM flywheel. I would only replace the disk, PP, pilot bearing, and throw out bearing ($370).

Gernby

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan
Sounds like your best bet is simply to get a new friction disk, gernby.